Speeding in Delhi can now land you in jail

Delhi speedsters beware. If you are caught driving above the speed limit you might end up spending six months in jail rather than getting off by just paying a small fine.

The Delhi Police has decided that it will now press charges under Section 279 of the IPC (rash and negligent driving) against private vehicle drivers caught for speeding. Section 279 allows for a fine of Rs. 1,000 or a jail term of up to six months, or both. The violator’s vehicle will also be impounded and the driver will get a criminal record.

Earlier, violators would get a fine for speeding, which was Rs. 400. Only drivers who were involved in a fatal accident were arrested.

The Traffic Police has been booking commercial vehicle drivers under Section 279 since October. But, now private vehicle drivers will also be charged under the same section.

“So far we have targeted only commercial vehicles. Now private vehicles will also be covered under rash and dangerous driving and be booked under IPC 279,” said Taj Hassan, special commissioner of police (traffic).

Till December 31, 519 commercial vehicle drivers have been booked under Section 279. All 519 drivers were arrested.

The Delhi Police said it had taken the step as punishments under the Motor Vehicle Act were not deterring violators.